Why do they house......

I have seen many new owners put their balls in a 55 gallon? Why? I have seen little babies in such a huge tank. I resuced a ball that was in a huge tank, no hides, only heat lamp for warmth. I see this again and again.

I guess people just assume because it is a snake it needs TONS AND TONS OF ROOM TO BE FREE. Or some people are convinced that they are spoiling their ball python with more room to explore. It doesn't make sense to me either.

Because the anthromorphize their snakes. They put human emotions and desires before the animal's needs for security. And many times, it's because they haven't done their research thoroughly enough before acquiring a ball python to understand what its basic needs are.

Or maybe that's the only tank they had?? ;)

I personally see nothing wrong with a bigger tank as long as your husbandry is spot on. It's pretty easy to fill a 55 gal if you do multiple hides, some greenery, some rock and a piece of driftwood or two. I have my ball in a 33 long and he has never had any trouble eating or shedding which I attribute to correct temps, proper hides and a full secure feeling tank.

I used to keep my adult male in a 60 Gallon. 3 heat lamps, no belly heat a tight fitting hide, a hand towel rack to climb on, and a huge water dish. Temps, humidity, etc were always fine, but yeah I realized that he only used the hide and water dish, occasionally thermoregulating.

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Originally Posted by Allie

Or maybe that's the only tank they had?? ;)

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if you going to take in any animal and you cant provide proper houseing and care then you shouldnt have that animal!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Allie

Or maybe that's the only tank they had?? ;)

I personally see nothing wrong with a bigger tank as long as your husbandry is spot on. It's pretty easy to fill a 55 gal if you do multiple hides, some greenery, some rock and a piece of driftwood or two. I have my ball in a 33 long and he has never had any trouble eating or shedding which I attribute to correct temps, proper hides and a full secure feeling tank.

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It doesn't take much to put a 55 gallon on Craigslist and go out and buy a rubbermaid tub and the cage accessories. I spent $100 on 2 tubs and that was 4 hides, 2 water bowls, 2 UTHs, 2 dimmers, and 2 19qt rubbermaid tubs. Cost isn't an excuse when you can sell a tank and stand of that size for at least $100.

Also a 33 Long is the recommended size so there shouldn't be an issue there.

My buddy had his in a 75 gallon and had a 20L to feed him in. I told him to put the BP in the 20L and get him something to put into the 75...he went out a few days later and got a nice JCP.

I dont see anything wrong with a 55 gallon tank if you put multiple hides in it. Im sure in the wild they venture further than what a 20 gallon long provides space wise.

but there is a difference in the wild and being in a tank. They are having to survive in the wild but when their meals are provided for them IMO security is the best thing and making them comfortable.

i have my 9 month old in a 30gal tank and it will house him for his life.